KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The match: The City West Falcons have been crowned 2024 VNL champions in an historic premiership three-peat with an 11-goal win over Boroondara Express. A midcourt masterclass from Falcons centre and MVP Montana Holmes gave the reigning premiers the early advantage as she snatched two intercepts and three deflections in the first quarter alone, before they opened a 15-goal lead after half time. The Falcons' immense defensive effort from Sophie Hanrahan and Melissa Oloamanu turned over plenty of ball to smother the fightback from Express, while Olivia Cameron (9 goals, 64% accuracy) and Jane Cook (50 goals, 93%) were rock solid in goals. Cook didn't have it all her way though, as goal keeper Sarah Szczykulski jumped on every loose ball and goal defence Ruby Pekin-Schlicht found two clutch intercepts, allowing Express workhorses Ruby Barkmeyer (21 goals, 78%) and Bella Hodgson (32 goals, 89%) to lead the charge in the second half. The final 15 minutes was fought with ferocity and desperation as Express came within three goals of stirring an upset, but the full-court defensive pressure of the Falcons prevailed, delivering them back-to-back-to-back titles.
- MVP: Montana Holmes, centre
23&Under
- The match: Hawks Netball have claimed the inaugural 23&U VNL title, downing North East Blaze in a hard-fought battle. Blaze took their underdog status to the Hawks with the match going blow for blow early, and led by a goal at half time. Sensing Blaze’s desperation, the Hawks remained patient in attack as Dominique Taylor (37 goals, 71% accuracy) proved too great a challenge for keeper Eliza Molino. Taylor combined seamlessly with Keeley Burgmann (10 goals, 77%) under pressure and the Hawks surged ahead by eight goals in the third quarter, with a raucous crowd rallying them on. A supreme defensive display from MVP goal keeper Olivia Barnett and goal defence Emma Storey limited Blaze to just 15 goals in the second half, and an inspiring captain’s knock by Kaila Swindell in the midcourt helped the team settle their nerves after two injuries in two minutes saw them heavily rotated in the final quarter. The fast, agile wing attack took a vital intercept late in the game to stamp out any chance of a fightback, and steered her side to their first 23&U premiership.
- MVP: Olivia Barnett, goal keeper
RESULTS
Championship
City West Falcons (64) defeated (53) Boroondara Express
23&Under
Hawks Netball (51) defeated (40) North East Blaze
SHOOTING STATS
Championship
Falcons:
Jane Cook, GS: 50 goals from 54 attempts, 93% accuracy
Olivia Cameron, GA: 9 goals from 14 attempts, 64% accuracy
Uneeq Palavi, GA: 5 goals from 6 attempts, 83% accuracy
Express:
Isabelle Hodgson, GS: 32 goals from 36 attempts, 89% accuracy
Ruby Barkmeyer, GA: 21 goals from 27 attempts, 78% accuracy
23&U
Hawks:
Dominique Taylor, GS: 37 goals from 52 attempts, 71% accuracy
Keeley Burgmann, GA: 10 goals from 14 attempts, 77% accuracy
Hannah Keane, GA: 4 goals from 8 attempts, 50% accuracy
Blaze:
Olivia Cawthray, GS: 35 goals from 41 attempts, 85% accuracy
Ella Tennant, GA: 5 goals from 9 attempts, 56% accuracy
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Winners will be announced at VNL Awards on 18 August
VNL AWARDS NIGHT
The 2024 VNL Awards Night will be held on Sunday 18 August at 6.00pm at Rivers Edge in Docklands. Buy tickets
